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Historian Larry Barnes gives free talk on the Brisbane family at Richmond library

By Billie Owens

Sponsor: Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia

Event: Meet the Brisbanes: Talk by Larry Barnes

Place: Richmond Memorial Library

Date & Time: Monday, July 20 at 7 p.m.

City Historian Larry Barnes will present “Meet the Brisbanes,” a free talk at Richmond Memorial Library. The Brisbane Family was one of the earliest families in Batavia and was filled with interesting, although eccentric, personalities. As we “Escape the Ordinary” this summer, find out how these Batavians led extraordinary lives.

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Stafford Historical Society road trip to 'abandoned pioneer cemeteries'

By Billie Owens

The June meeting of the Stafford Historical Society will be a road trip. On Wednesday, June 24th, we will be boarding a bus at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall, located at the corner of Route 237 and Route 5.

The intention of the Society has been to repair the headstones and to tidy-up the town's abandoned pioneer cemeteries for our Town's 200th birthday. Our road trip will be for members and guests to view their condition.

We have room for 30 to 35 people. Please call 344-7070 or 343-1928 to reserve a space.

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Stafford Fire Department's annual Carnival & Corvette Raffle

By Billie Owens

The Stafford Carnival is this weekend. It actually kicks off Thursday at 6 p.m. and at 9 o'clock the Guy Smiley Bands provides live music.

On Friday, there's a fish fry at 4 p.m., carnival opens at 5 and the parade starts at 7 o'clock. Music by Taran begins at 9.

Saturday's festivities begin at noon, with a garden tractor pull at 1 o'clock. Music provided by Monkey in a Bottle at 7, followed by Under the Gun at 9. There will be fireworks at 10 p.m.

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Downtown Public Market opens for the season at Bank Street and Alva Place

By Billie Owens

"Bring Your Feet to the Downtown Public Market" says the Batavia Business Improvement District. It kicks off this Thursday at the parking lot at Bank Street and Alva Place (across from the Jerome Center). It will be held every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Sept. 24.

"Support Downtown, Buy Local" says co-sponor Java Farm Supply. Fresh baked goods, fruit, vegetables, cherries & berries, honey, flowers, maple syrup, Alston's BBQ Sauce, dog treats, handmade quilts and clothing, handcrafted wood products, and lots more will be for sale.

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A community comes together to support the sons of Douglas Mess

By Julia Ferrini

Similar sentiments echoed from family, friends and the community with respect to Douglas Mess. 

“He was an amazing guy.” 

“A big teddy bear.” 

“He would do anything for anyone.” 

“He loved family.” 

“He was an excellent mechanic.”

A spaghetti dinner and raffle was held Saturday to help Mess’s four sons, Douglas, Matthew, Michael, and James. The four men lost both their parents in an incident that shook the Attica community.

“It’s nice to see the community coming together for this,” said event organizer Jackie Murphy. “But by the same token, this shouldn’t have had to happen.”

The fundraiser was held at the Alexander Firemen’s Recreation Center, Alexander. All proceeds go to the brothers to help with living expenses. According to Murphy, the support from the community has been overwhelming. 

“Everything has been donated by community members and local businesses,” Murphy said. “The response has been wonderful, from setting up this event to just asking ‘how ya doing?’ It’s just been amazing.”

“I wasn’t expecting the response we got,” said Gina Olszewski, Matthew’s girlfriend. “The support from the community is awesome. It’s such a horrible situation and it’s nice to have the support we’ve received.”

Tom Gadd worked with Doug for 14 years at Alexander Equipment and viewed the man like a brother.

“He was just an amazing guy; a great guy. That sums it up right there,” Gadd said.

“He’s been proud to see the support,” Olszewski said.

According to the elder Mess’s son Doug, he was a “shop man dictionary.”

Michael and James describe their father as happy and caring.

Douglas Mess was found murdered April 20 on the farm he and his wife of 30 years owned in Attica. Charlene Mess is charged with his murder and is currently being held in the Wyoming County Jail in lieu of $1 million cash bail or $2 million bond. She is due in court Aug. 6.

“We are extremely grateful,” James said. “There has been lots of support from an extremely caring community.”

See related: Murder of Douglas Mess a big loss for Baskin LivestockCharlene Mess pled not guilty in the murder of Douglas Mess

Co-author of 'The Faith Club: A Muslim, A Christian, A Jew' speaks about journey for more understanding

By Billie Owens

"The Faith Club: A Muslim, a Christian, A Jew -- Three Women Search for Understanding" is a presentation/book-signing/reception hosted by St. James Episcopal Church starting at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 13. It will be held at the church, 405 E. Main St. in the City of Batavia as part of its Bicentennial celebration.

Meet co-author Suzanne Oliver as she speaks of her faith journey to more understanding. It's free and all are welcome.

Questions? Call (585) 343-6802.

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Old-Fashioned Picnic in Kiwanis Park sponsored by Town of Batavia GOP Committee, George Forsyth to be honored

By Billie Owens

The Town of Batavia Republican Committee is holding its annual Old-Fashioned Picnic on Friday, June 12th, at the Town of Batavia/Kiwanis Park starting at 5 p.m. and lasting until dark.

Enjoy red and white hots, macaroni salad, baked beans, chips and assorted desserts along with ice tea, lemonade, soda and water. Cost is $10 per person; Children under 12 are $5; and under 5 years old are free. 

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Big honkin' three-day garage sale to benefit the GC Animal Shelter

By Billie Owens

A big honkin' garage sale to benefit the animals at the Genesee County Animal Shelter will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 18th, 19th and 20th at Rick's Storage Garage, 3566 W. Main Street Road in the Town of Batavia.

All proceeds will go directly to the animals.

Plus, Duke's Smokin Bone BBQ Catering Co. will be offered for sale on the last day of the garage sale, June 20, starting at 11 a.m. There will be pulled pork sandwiches. So come on out for lunch and paw through all the good stuff for sale to help the needy, homeless animals.

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Coffee klatch at City Hall with council president and Ward 1 rep

By Billie Owens

City Council President Brooks Hawley will be holding six City Hall meetings over the summer, one for each ward.

“Coffee with the City Council President and Councilmember Representative” will be held at City Hall in the Community Room. These meetings will be used as a direct connection to the President and councilmembers to have a forum with residents to collect thoughts, concerns, ideas or interests from city residents. The meetings will be held from 9–11 a.m. on Saturdays on the following dates:

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Free special screening of documentary on Federal/Adams Style Architecture

By Billie Owens

On June 16, at 7 p.m. the Landmark Society of Genesee County will present a special screening of a short documentary video on the Federal/Adams Style of architecture.  

Following the video, Bernard Schmieder will provide additional insights into making the film; he will also speak about his experiences meticulously restoring the 1815 Federal Style home he and his wife, Jane, share in Bethany. Schmieder, a licensed surveyor, is a past president of the Landmark Society of Genesee County.

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Girls on the Run car wash/bake sale at Batavia's Original to aid local house fire victims

By Billie Owens

Batavia Middle School's Girls on the Run are having a car wash and bake sale from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, June 14th, at Batavia's Original pizzeria, located at 500 E. Main St. in the City of Batavia. For this community service project, the girls' after-school activity and charity group is donating all the money to a local family who was devastated by a house fire.

 

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BID's Centennial Arts Fest in Jackson Square

By Billie Owens

The Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District (BID) is sponsoring the Centennial Arts Fest, exhibiting artists work from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, in Jackson Square. This event is in conjunction with the City of Batavia’s Centennial celebration.

Centennial Arts will be an outdoor gallery displaying artists of any age, media and location around western New York. This is a free event for artists to display three or four pieces of their best work. The public is invited to see and buy art during the show.

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Jackson Square Concert Downtown -- finale featuring C'est Bon Dance Band

By Billie Owens

The Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District (BID) is sponsoring the 16th Annual Jackson Square Concert Series. The final one is from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28th, in Downtown Batavia. Free to the public. Food and refreshments available. Rain Days at Batavia City Centre. Bring your own seating. More Info: Don Burkel at B.I.D. at 585-344-0900. Visit: www.downtownbataviany.com

The Jackson Square Concerts “Friday Nights In The Square” final performance will be by:

  • C’est Bon Dance Band (Aug. 28th)
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Jackson Square Concert Downtown: John Cole Blues Band

By Billie Owens

The Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District (BID) is sponsoring the 16th Annual Jackson Square Concert Series, each one is from 7 to 9 p.m. on Fridays through Aug. 28th, in Downtown Batavia. Free to the public. Food and refreshments available. Rain Days at Batavia City Centre. Bring your own seating. More Info: Don Burkel at B.I.D. at 585-344-0900. Visit: www.downtownbataviany.com

The Jackson Square Concerts “Friday Nights In The Square” will be featuring:

  • John Cole Blues Band (Aug. 21st)
  • C’est Bon Dance Band (Aug. 28th
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Jackson Square Concert Downtown: Bluesway Band

By Billie Owens

The Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District (BID) is sponsoring the 16th Annual Jackson Square Concert Series, each one is from 7 to 9 p.m. on Fridays through Aug. 28th, in Downtown Batavia. Free to the public. Food and refreshments available. Rain Days at Batavia City Centre. Bring your own seating. More Info: Don Burkel at B.I.D. at 585-344-0900. Visit: www.downtownbataviany.com

The Jackson Square Concerts “Friday Nights In The Square” will be featuring:

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Jackson Square Concert Downtown: 'It's My Party'

By Billie Owens

The Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District (BID) is sponsoring the 16th Annual Jackson Square Concert Series, each one is from 7 to 9 p.m. on Fridays through Aug. 28th, in Downtown Batavia. Free to the public. Food and refreshments available. Rain Days at Batavia City Centre. Bring your own seating. More Info: Contact the B.I.D. at 585-344-0900. Visit: www.downtownbataviany.com

The Jackson Square Concerts “Friday Nights In The Square” will be featuring:

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Jackson Square Concert Downtown: Ghost Riders, plus Ghost Riders Drum & Bugle

By Billie Owens

The Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District (BID) is sponsoring the 16th Annual Jackson Square Concert Series, each one is from 7 to 9 p.m. on Fridays, June 12th – Aug. 28th, in Downtown Batavia. Free to the public. Food and refreshments available. Rain Days at Batavia City Centre. Bring your own seating. More Info: Don Burkel at B.I.D. at 585-344-0900. Visit: www.downtownbataviany.com

The Jackson Square Concerts “ Friday Nights In The Square” will be featuring:

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Jackson Square Concert Downtown: OHMS Band

By Billie Owens

The Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District (BID) is sponsoring the 16th Annual Jackson Square Concert Series, each one is from 7 to 9 p.m. on Fridays through Aug. 28th, in Downtown Batavia. Free to the public. Food and refreshments available. Rain Days at Batavia City Centre. Bring your own seating. More Info: Don Burkel at B.I.D. at 585-344-0900. Visit: www.downtownbataviany.com

The Jackson Square Concerts “Friday Nights In The Square” will be featuring:

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Jackson Square Concert Downtown: Penny Whiskey

By Billie Owens

The Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District (BID) is sponsoring the 16th Annual Jackson Square Concert Series, each one is from 7 to 9 p.m. on Fridays through Aug. 28th, in Downtown Batavia. Free to the public. Food and refreshments available. Rain Days at Batavia City Centre. Bring your own seating. More Info: Don Burkel at B.I.D. at 585-344-0900. Visit: www.downtownbataviany.com

The Jackson Square Concerts “Friday Nights In The Square” will be featuring:

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